Savory Cranberry Brie Tartlets Easy Festive Appetizer

Name: Savory Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 package phyllo pastry (about 12 sheets); 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg for egg wash

November 16, 2025November 27, 2024 by Lillian

Looking for an easy and tasty appetizer to impress your guests? Try my Savory Cranberry Brie Tartlets! This festive treat combines crispy phyllo pastry, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and creamy Brie cheese. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a special snack, these tartlets are sure to be a hit. I’ll walk you through every simple step, so you can whip them up with ease and delight everyone at your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart cranberries paired with creamy Brie create a perfect balance that excites the palate.
Elegant Presentation: These tartlets look sophisticated and are perfect for entertaining, making them a great addition to any gathering.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these tartlets are a breeze to prepare, even for novice cooks.
Versatile Appetizer: These tartlets can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a flexible option for various occasions.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 package of phyllo pastry (about 12 sheets)

– 1 cup fresh cranberries

– 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces

Additional Ingredients

– 1/2 cup sugar

– 1/4 cup water

– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Egg Wash Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 egg (for wash)

The main ingredients set the stage for these tartlets. Phyllo pastry brings a crispy texture. Fresh cranberries give a burst of tartness, which balances the rich Brie cheese.

The additional ingredients sweeten the cranberries. Sugar and water help create a lovely sauce. Fresh rosemary adds an herby note that lifts the flavors.

An egg wash is crucial, too. It gives your tartlets a beautiful golden color. Olive oil and black pepper add flavor and shine.

Using these ingredients, you will create a dish that impresses everyone. Each bite will offer a mix of textures and tastes. The tartlets serve as a perfect festive appetizer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cranberry Sauce

– First, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan.

– Cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst. This takes about 10-15 minutes.

– Once thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool. This sauce adds a sweet and tart flavor.

Prepping the Phyllo Dough

– Next, lay out a sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

– Repeat this with two more sheets, stacking them on top. This helps create a nice texture.

– Cut the layered phyllo into squares, about 4×4 inches. These will form the tartlet cups.

Assembling the Tartlets

– Gently press each square into a muffin tin cup. This forms the shell for your tartlets.

– Now, fill each phyllo cup with small pieces of Brie cheese.

– Top each one with a spoonful of the cranberry sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and black pepper for extra flavor.

Baking the Tartlets

– To finish, prepare the egg wash. Beat 1 egg with a splash of water in a small bowl.

– Brush the edges of the phyllo cups with the egg wash. This gives them a golden finish.

– Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the phyllo is golden and crispy.

These steps will guide you to make delicious savory cranberry brie tartlets. Enjoy the fun of creating these festive bites!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Cranberry Sauce

To make the perfect cranberry sauce, start by adjusting the sweetness. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. These alternatives give a unique flavor while keeping the sauce tasty.

Working with Phyllo Pastry

Handling phyllo pastry can be tricky. To avoid tearing, keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work. This keeps them moist and easier to handle. If you have leftover phyllo, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within a few days to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the tartlets with extra rosemary. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine. Pair these tartlets with sparkling wine or a light beer. The flavors blend nicely and elevate your dish. Enjoy sharing them at your next gathering!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Avoid canned cranberry sauce for a more vibrant tartlet.
Layering Phyllo Pastry: Ensure you brush each layer of phyllo with olive oil to achieve a flaky and crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs, such as goat cheese or thyme, to create your unique flavor combination.
Serving Suggestions: These tartlets are best served warm. Consider pairing them with a light salad or a glass of sparkling wine for an elegant appetizer.

Variations

Different Cheeses to Use

You can switch out Brie for other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Cream cheese is smooth and mild, while blue cheese gives a bold taste. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor profile. Goat cheese offers a creamy, tart bite. Cream cheese provides a rich, soft texture. Blue cheese brings a sharp, funky taste that pairs well with cranberries.

Alternative Fillings

Get creative with fillings in your tartlets. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Diced apples or pears can add sweetness and texture. You can also try spicy elements, like jalapeños or red pepper flakes, for a kick. Mixing in sautéed onions or garlic can create savory depth. These twists keep your tartlets exciting and flavorful.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you want a plant-based version, use vegan cheese. Brands like Violife or Daiya offer great options. For the egg wash, substitute with a mixture of plant-based milk and a little oil. This gives a shiny finish without using eggs. You can also skip the wash altogether for a rustic look. These changes make the tartlets suitable for everyone.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftover Tartlets

To keep your leftover tartlets fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any moisture. This helps keep the phyllo crispy. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. After that, the texture may change, and they could become soggy.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze these tartlets both before and after baking. If you freeze them before baking, assemble the tartlets and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They will last for up to three months.

To bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each tartlet in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

What is the best way to reheat leftover tartlets?

To reheat leftover tartlets, use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tartlets on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the phyllo crispy. Microwaving can make them soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat them for only a few seconds. This method works but may lose some crunch.

Can I make the cranberry sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the cranberry sauce ahead of time. Prepare it up to three days before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend. Just give it a stir before using. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.

Are these tartlets suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can make these tartlets gluten-free. Use gluten-free phyllo pastry. Many brands offer this option. Check the package to ensure it is certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free pie crusts as an alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty appetizer.

You now know how to make tasty cranberry Brie tartlets. We covered the key ingredients, like phyllo pastry and fresh cranberries. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the tartlets and tips for perfecting your dish. I shared storage options to keep them fresh.

In the end, these tartlets are great for many occasions. Try different cheeses or flavors to make them your own. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and famil

$- 1 package of phyllo pastry (about 12 sheets) - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 egg (for wash) The main ingredients set the stage for these tartlets. Phyllo pastry brings a crispy texture. Fresh cranberries give a burst of tartness, which balances the rich Brie cheese. The additional ingredients sweeten the cranberries. Sugar and water help create a lovely sauce. Fresh rosemary adds an herby note that lifts the flavors. An egg wash is crucial, too. It gives your tartlets a beautiful golden color. Olive oil and black pepper add flavor and shine. Using these ingredients, you will create a dish that impresses everyone. Each bite will offer a mix of textures and tastes. The tartlets serve as a perfect festive appetizer. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. - Cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst. This takes about 10-15 minutes. - Once thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool. This sauce adds a sweet and tart flavor. - Next, lay out a sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Repeat this with two more sheets, stacking them on top. This helps create a nice texture. - Cut the layered phyllo into squares, about 4x4 inches. These will form the tartlet cups. - Gently press each square into a muffin tin cup. This forms the shell for your tartlets. - Now, fill each phyllo cup with small pieces of Brie cheese. - Top each one with a spoonful of the cranberry sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and black pepper for extra flavor. - To finish, prepare the egg wash. Beat 1 egg with a splash of water in a small bowl. - Brush the edges of the phyllo cups with the egg wash. This gives them a golden finish. - Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the phyllo is golden and crispy. These steps will guide you to make delicious savory cranberry brie tartlets. Enjoy the fun of creating these festive bites! To make the perfect cranberry sauce, start by adjusting the sweetness. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. These alternatives give a unique flavor while keeping the sauce tasty. Handling phyllo pastry can be tricky. To avoid tearing, keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work. This keeps them moist and easier to handle. If you have leftover phyllo, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within a few days to keep it fresh. For a beautiful presentation, garnish the tartlets with extra rosemary. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine. Pair these tartlets with sparkling wine or a light beer. The flavors blend nicely and elevate your dish. Enjoy sharing them at your next gathering! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Avoid canned cranberry sauce for a more vibrant tartlet. Layering Phyllo Pastry: Ensure you brush each layer of phyllo with olive oil to achieve a flaky and crispy texture. Don’t skip this step! Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs, such as goat cheese or thyme, to create your unique flavor combination. Serving Suggestions: These tartlets are best served warm. Consider pairing them with a light salad or a glass of sparkling wine for an elegant appetizer. {{image_2}} You can switch out Brie for other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Cream cheese is smooth and mild, while blue cheese gives a bold taste. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor profile. Goat cheese offers a creamy, tart bite. Cream cheese provides a rich, soft texture. Blue cheese brings a sharp, funky taste that pairs well with cranberries. Get creative with fillings in your tartlets. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Diced apples or pears can add sweetness and texture. You can also try spicy elements, like jalapeños or red pepper flakes, for a kick. Mixing in sautéed onions or garlic can create savory depth. These twists keep your tartlets exciting and flavorful. If you want a plant-based version, use vegan cheese. Brands like Violife or Daiya offer great options. For the egg wash, substitute with a mixture of plant-based milk and a little oil. This gives a shiny finish without using eggs. You can also skip the wash altogether for a rustic look. These changes make the tartlets suitable for everyone. To keep your leftover tartlets fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any moisture. This helps keep the phyllo crispy. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. After that, the texture may change, and they could become soggy. You can freeze these tartlets both before and after baking. If you freeze them before baking, assemble the tartlets and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They will last for up to three months. To bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each tartlet in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture and flavor intact. To reheat leftover tartlets, use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tartlets on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the phyllo crispy. Microwaving can make them soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat them for only a few seconds. This method works but may lose some crunch. Yes, you can make the cranberry sauce ahead of time. Prepare it up to three days before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend. Just give it a stir before using. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it. You can make these tartlets gluten-free. Use gluten-free phyllo pastry. Many brands offer this option. Check the package to ensure it is certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free pie crusts as an alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty appetizer. You now know how to make tasty cranberry Brie tartlets. We covered the key ingredients, like phyllo pastry and fresh cranberries. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the tartlets and tips for perfecting your dish. I shared storage options to keep them fresh. In the end, these tartlets are great for many occasions. Try different cheeses or flavors to make them your own. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family!$